Pine Hollow Arboretum

Winter Walk Saturday,January 21st at 10 Am

2012-01-05T08:50:00.003-05:00

Inspired by the relatively "open" winter we are scheduling a winter walk/tour at the Pine Hollow Arboretum. It is a totally different experience on the property with out any ticks or poison ivy! Join John Abbuhl at 10 AM on Saturday , Jan 21st at the Maple Ave Visitors Center for a chance to enjoy the season . The walk will include a tour in the back woods, a part of the property that is not usually enjoyed by the public . All ages are welcome!

Face book

2012-01-04T09:14:00.001-05:00

We now have a face book page... where we will keep you in touch with all activities.

2011-12-12T12:47:00.008-05:00

As 2012 approaches, take a moment to remind yourself how fortunate we are to have the Pine Hollow Arboretum. Every day, 3,250 trees are on display throughout the year. Horticultural treasures change and grow each season, in an eco-friendly exhibit carefully tended by curator Dr. John Abbuhl. This magnificent open-air museum is here, in our Town of Bethlehem for everyone to explore.

Throughout the seasons -- artists, poets, music lovers, families, students, teachers, bikers, environmental enthusiasts & others visit the Pine Hollow Arboretum. Many visitors are now friends and members, widening the circle of supporters. Local community organizations and preservation initiatives are also evolving, including the two-mile stretch of the rail trail that opened last summer, from Veterans Park to Kenwood and Grove, running parallel to the Arboretum and adjoining borders with the Slingerlands Historic District.

The Arboretum inspires creativity, introspection, learning and discovery. It interprets how nature helps, hinders and balances the world around us. Just when we think we get it, Mother nature changes the rules. This year taught us powerful lessons in the wake of Hurricane Irene, the floods of 2011 and the value of giving. Maybe we understand a little better now, why we need to protect and preserve what we have.

Happy Holidays…

SLS 12.12.11

DAMAGE FROM OCTOBER 29, 2011 STORM

2011-11-07T12:37:00.010-05:00

Metasequoia branch damaged and removed

An early heavy snow blew in on Saturday October 29, 2011 and left a lot more damage than one would think to the rare collection of trees and scrubs at Pine Hollow Arboretum. The storm was much lighter in the Albany, NY area than in other parts of the Northeast with millions without power due to fallen limbs and trees in the Middle Atlantic and New England States. Only three to five inches of wet snow fell on lower elevations, such as the Slingerlands, NY area where Pine Hollow Arboretum is located. As with all natural phenomenon the storm damage gave us the opportunity to learn from it as well as to see once again an illustration of Nature's landscape shaping ability. According to John Abbuhl, although there was significant damage to a number of our large trees, there does not seem to be any fatal blows struck. Although now shaped differently and in some cases topped-off, all the trees are expected to sprout new growth and continue to thrive. Because their needles had not yet dropped there was damage to a number of lower and upper branches on our big metasequoia in The Metasequoia Field and 80% of the tallest Fastigate Bald Cypress broke off. The top of a Sweetgum and a Sourwood that was in beautiful fall foliage were damaged. The Sourwood was about 12ft. high and lost one of its two double trunks. In front of the VISITOR CENTER more than 75% of a hybrid Kousa and American Dogwood broke from the weight of the wet snow.

damage on hybrid of Kousa and American dogwood

Something that John Abbuhl noticed is quite interesting and points out again the specialness of the Pine Hollow Arboretum landscape. John said there was almost no damage to pine or fir branches. He said the White Pine had already had its needle drop with approximately 50% of needles being shed. Blackgum leaves had dropped and that species had almost no damage from the storm. The oak trees are strong and could take the snow weight without breaking branches.
In fact, there was almost no limb loss on native trees. I take that to show the adaptation of the native species had allowed them to better deal with unexpected but not unknown variation in the usual weather patterns. Although we are impressed with the uniqueness and marvel that species from all over the world can survive at Pine Hollow Arboretum. It is also important to recognize these "special visitors" might need special care to keep them healthy and growing.

---Alan Casline

"Fruits of the Fall" Arboretum Tours

2011-10-18T19:57:00.001-04:00

"Fruits of the Fall"

Pine Hollow Arboretum Tours will be presented
on the afternoons of Sat Oct 22, Sunday Oct 23, and Sat, Oct 29, 2011

Start time for all of the tours would be 1:00 pm.

MEET AT THE VISTORS CENTER
FOR START OF ALL EVENTS

Pine Hollow Arboretum Visitor Center
16 Maple Avenue
Slingerlands, New York 12159
The tours will all be led by arboretum founder and developer Dr. John Abbuhl

John says the following." hard to be specific, but it will include Pawpaw, Persimmon, Apple, Quince, winter berry holly, and whatever else is in bloom... (magnolia seeds are worth looking at as well)"

Please call ahead if you can to reserve a place (518) 439-6472

Thought is the blossom, language the bud, action the fruit behind.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Fall Festival Open House

2011-10-06T19:11:00.002-04:00

THE PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM

FALL FESTIVAL OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY, OCT 16th

1-4 PM at 16 Maple Ave

VISITORS CENTER

WE INVITE THE COMMUNITY TO
SHARE THE COLOR AND
BEAUTY OF THE SEASON

AS WE EXTEND A
THANK YOU

TO ARTISTS OF THE CURRENT SHOW

AND

TO MEMBERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT

WITH AN OPEN HOUSE

WITH REFRESHMENTS

ACTIVITES WILL INCLUDE
A SCAVANGER HUNT AND A
TOUR WITH DR. ABBUHL

(weather permitting)

PAWPAW TREES AT PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM

2011-10-03T20:07:00.013-04:00

Pawpaw Tree Asimina triloba at Pine Hollow Arboretum

Remember when you were a kid in school and were taught the PawPaw Patch Song? You know, “Where, oh where, oh where is Susie? Where, oh where, oh where is Susie? Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch… Pickin’ up pawpaws, put ‘em in a basket… way down yonder in the pawpaw patch.” I know I’m dating myself because my daughter (8th grade) and son (2nd grade) have never heard of the song but I learned it -- way back when. I remember singing the song in grade school but I had no idea what a pawpaw was and didn’t know what one was until today. I was visiting the Arboretum and talking with my father-in-law, John Abbuhl, about fall fruiting trees on the property. He said he has a few and asked me if I had ever seen a pawpaw tree and since I had not, he said “come with me.” We walked down the trail by the pond, over the bridge and there they were. Beginning of Pawpaw grove at Pine Hollow Arboretum

Pawpaw or Asimina Triloba is a deciduous, conical tree grows between 12 to 20 feet. It was first discovered in 1541 by the Spanish explorer, Hernando Desoto on an excursion to the Mississippi Valley but has long been recognized as a source of food by indigenous Americans for centuries before that. Apparently, Lewis and Clark ate them during their epic journey across North America. They are often referred to as Poor Man’s Banana. The tree produces root suckers a few feet from the trunk and when allowed to grow can create a new tree which is why the Arboretum now has a cluster of pawpaws which are located at the eastern end of the magnolia grove near the mid-pond hill. The tree has droopy, oblong shaped green leaves that grow up to 12 inches long. The leaf color is medium green in the summer and turns yellow in the fall. The leaves begin to fall off in mid-autumn and leaf out again in late spring. The pawpaw produces an upside-down maroon flower up to 2 inches across usually during March to May depending on the climate where it’s growing. The pawpaw tree likes filtered sunlight for the first two years after planting then full sun. The deer do not seem to like the leaves or twigs but raccoons, squirrels and foxes will eat the fruit.Pawpaw leaves turning yellow in Autumn

The pawpaw fruit is the largest edible fruit native to America. Each fruit can weigh between 5 to 16 ounces and can be 3 to 6 inches long. They are similar in shape to a potato and can grow in clusters from one to nine fruits. The skin of the pawpaw is thin and edible but people usually peel it off prior to eating. The skin color is green and turns yellow when it is ripe in September - October. When you touch a ripe pawpaw fruit it should be soft to the squeeze. You may think it’s a sign of it being overripe but it’s not. If the skin is brown or black it is overripe. When you cut into a pawpaw you will see two rows of brown/black seeds shaped like lima beans. The color of the pulp can vary from white to orange. The texture of the pulp is soft and creamy much like the consistency of custard. The taste is often compared to bananas with hints of mango and pineapple. Early settlers made jelly with pawpaw and you can also use it in bread, pie or ice cream. If you’re curious about what a pawpaw looks like on the tree, please stop by the Arboretum for a peak at what nature has to offer.

Pawpaw fruit at Pine Hollow Arboretun

----Susan Abbuhl

INDIAN SUMMER SEPTEMBER 21, 2011: A PHOTO VIEW

2011-09-23T22:55:00.007-04:00

color photo nature does it again, beautiful

Walked the grounds at the arboretum on a sunny late afternoon. I was struck how it is a time of seeds, nuts and fruit. I ran into John Abbuhl planting trees. He took the time to show me the Pawpaw and Persimmons fruits and even the magnolia fruits. (I didn't even know such existed). He had to go back to planting and I continued my enjoyable walk. I had my hiking boots on and I really don't care if I get my feet wet. I noticed the downhill water runoff. As visitors know there are more than ten small ponds at the arboretum, what is less noticeable is the ditching and connecting waterways that help to keep the land underfoot solid and drained relatively quickly.
Here are some photos of my hike. Give yourself a nice walk and stop by the arboretum next time the sun shines.

"Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come."- Chinese proverb

persimmon fruit

I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do.
- Willa Cather (1873-1947), O Pioneers 1913

magnolia fruit

pawpaw fruit

"Do not be afraid to go out on a limb ... That's where the fruit is."- Anonymous

"Sometimes Thou may'st walk in Groves, which being full of Majestie will much advance the Soul."

- Thomas Vaughan, Anima Magica Abscondita

----- Alan Casline

PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM RECEIVES NEW FUNDING

2011-09-21T11:34:00.000-04:00

Pine Hollow Arboretum is pleased to announce the receipt of two grants, totaling $13,300, from the Bender Family Fund and the Bender Scientific Fund, both of which are managed by the Community Foundation For The Capital Region.

Both the Bender grants will support the arboretum's core mission, which is:

1) to deliver innovative educational programming for adults and students of all ages, in the Town of Bethlehem as well as the greater Capital Region and beyond; and

2) to carry out field based science research, primarily with students, that documents and tracks specific features of the arboretum, both large and small - ranging from individual tree specimens, to soil and pond PH, to ever changing animal, plant and insect life.

"We want to thank the Community Foundation, and especially the Bender Family, for generously providing Pine Hollow our first two grants," says Dr. John Abbuhl, Founder and President of the Pine Hollow Arboretum Board. "Our Board of Directors has worked very hard in the first few years of our organization's existence to lay a strong community based presence from which we can now, thanks to this funding, begin to develop and deliver a wide range of educational programs that revolve around the beauty and majesty of our trees."
The Bender Family released this statement:

“The Trustees are delighted to help “jumpstart” the Community Education Resource Center at the Pine Hill Arboretum. “The important collaboration with Bethlehem Central School District’s Science Education Program will bring hands-on learning to many students across the Capital District in a unique “community” classroom.”

Finally, PHA Board Member, and Bethlehem Central Middle School Principal, Mike Klugman is the Principal Investigator for the Bender Scientific grant:

“PHA provides the Bethlehem community with an invaluable educational and ecological resource and the aim and endeavor of this grant is to enlighten our community on both fronts.

ART SHOW AND SALE OPENS SEPT 17+18

2011-09-08T15:43:00.004-04:00

Opening of an Art Show and Sale on Sept 17 + Sept 18 at the Arboretum. This is an amazing exhibit by 25 Local artists who are sharing their interpretation of nature using the Arboretum and elsewhere. The enthusiasm of the artists as they have created their images is contagious! There were no rules,no judges, just for fun! We are so lucky to be able show you such talent! The exhibit will be open every weekend at the Visitors Center (hours 10 AM to 4 PM )for you to enjoy until Oct. 16th. Come see the art, enjoy light refreshments, and if the weather improves enjoy the Arboretum itself with a tour by Dr. Abbuhl on Sat Sept 17 at 1PM We will be happy to welcome people at other times by appointment. call 439-6472

TREES IN OTHER MEDIUMS

2011-09-08T13:22:00.002-04:00

These are very exciting times for Pine Hollow and it seems that everybody is talking about trees these days!

For those fans of PHA who are reading this blog, we are providing links to two recent and excellent shows broadcast on public radio. You can stream these over your computer, or download them on to an MP3 player and podcast while driving, walking or exercising!
OnPoint With Tom Ashbrook originates at WBUR in Boston. A recent show featured the author Richard Horan, who wrote a book called Seeds - Trees That Inspired America's Literary Greats. Horan lives and teaches in upstate NY. As described in the show the author has made arrangements with Brian Sayers, who is President of New York State Arborists, to grow trees from the seeds gathered at or around the homes of important American writers. The "offspring" will eventually be sold to support public education and research activities similar to what we are doing at the Pine Hollow Arboretum.

http://onpoint.wbur.org/2011/04/25/trees-literary

Philadelphia is a very important city in the history of public horticulture in the United States. WHYY, a public radio station based in that city, recently aired a show, on Radio Times, titled Planting And Protecting Trees. This show featured several important arborists and horticulturists, including Paul Meyer, director of the Morris Arboretum at The University of Pennsylvania and Drew Becher, President of the Pennsylvania Society.

http://whyy.org/cms/radiotimes/2011/09/06/13055/

If you do check out these shows, please post your reaction at our blog. Also, please send us any links to "Tree Talk" that you think friends and supporters of Pine Hollow might enjoy and learn from!

Paul Winkeller, PHA Board Member

Duo Marchand Concert

2011-09-06T14:38:00.001-04:00

Proceeds from this concert will be given to area flood
and hurricaine relief organizations

POETRY AT THE ARBORETUM 2011

2011-08-06T17:34:00.003-04:00

POETRY AT THE ARBORETUM

Friday August 12 , 2011 at 7:00 pm
Pine Hollow Arboretum, 16 Maple Avenue,
Slingerlands, NY

Featuring Poets: Carol Graser, Marion Menna,
John Abbuhl, Therese Broderick, Virginia Acquario, Howard Kogan, Alan Casline, Dennis Sullivan,
Obeeduid, Ron Pavoldi, Mimi Moriarty, Tom Corrado
Catherine Connolly, Jim Williams, Mike Burke

Musical Interludes by Jim Williams

Arboretum Tour at 6:00 pm

A display and book sale of many of the reading poets will also be a feature of the event

For more information phone: (518) 439-6472

FIR TOUR

2011-08-03T15:05:00.005-04:00

Douglas Fir Tree at Pine Hollow Arboretum (fir on left side of photo)

Fir is derived from the Old English furth or fyrh or the Danish fyrr, meaning "fire", from its use as firewood. The fir at Pine Hollow Arboretum never have to face that fate. Either standing upright for a full thousand year growth or fallen to serve as planting site and nutrients for other growth, the Pine Hollow fir are all granted the natural forest cycle. John Abbuhl pointed out the success of his efforts to create natural conditions and self-seeding trees. The fir tour started near the Enterance Trail, climbed Japaneses Hill, then went by Russian Pond and all along the Fir trail with a brief swing to see speciments near Greenhouse Pond. Of the 46 species of fir tree in the world, we have over 30 different species growing at Pine Hollow Arboretum. We learned to look for upright or downward growing cones, the ridges and nubs of fir needles as well as how soft or sharp the needles might be. It was interesting to observe the deer feeding signs so high up the trunks of young fir due to the tall snow cover of last winter. Fortunately, John told us the trees are not significantly damaged. Some of the trees were so small still that we couldn't see them yet as they are covered with undergrowth. Perhaps by next year they will be tall enough to add to a very enjoyable FIR TOUR.

Note the upward pointing cones. Fir cones point up.

John Abbuhl with magnifier shows needle characteristics

Group examines another different fir

Pine Hollow Fir Tour on the Fir Trail

A tour of Fir Trees on July 31

2011-07-19T15:11:00.002-04:00

There will be a tour at the Arboretum on Sunday July 31, 2011, starting at 1 PM. This will be a chance to learn about the collection of Fir trees and some of their special characteristics. This is a favorite topic of John Abbuhl (the founder) and should be a fun and interesting walk. Other subjects may be included as requested and as time allows. All ages are welcome. The post previous to this is a good introduction...

EARLY SUMMER AT THE PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM

2011-07-19T14:52:00.017-04:00

EARLY SUMMER PHOTOS

by John Berninger

May 28, 2011

These are two views of the Candelabra Primrose, which, along with their white relatives, are happily spreading around the wet areas of the Arboretum. Viewed from the side, it is easy to see how they got their name, and the top view remined me of fireworks. these flowers were seen at the edge of the Front Pond.

May 28, 2011

This buttercup was spotted northeast of the Greenhouse pond, with some little purple flowers making a nice background. I am hoping to spend more time walking around the Arboretum and learning the names of the wide variety of flora and fauna to be found here.

June 19, 2011

This is one of the Canada Goose families at the Arboretum, seen here in the Front Pond. The children seem to be very well behaved, due to their attentive parents

July 19, 2011

There was quite a bit of turbulent activity among the Koi fish in the Front Pond.
John Abbuhl thought it was some kind of mating ritual. I think it was either that or a territorial dispute. neither of us had seen them chasing each other around like this before.

June 19, 2011

This rose was seen in the Pine Cove area.

GRAND FIR AND NOBLE FIR

2011-06-20T19:02:00.006-04:00

Walking down the Enterance Trail into Pine Hollow Arboretum the shapes of green pines and fir trees open up like gateways to the rich vistas and arranged plantings. As you learn more about the trees on display, the interesting sights take on a more informed aspect. An example are the two matched fir trees growing closely together where the downslope flattens out at the end of the hill Enterance Trail. They are the Grand Fir (Abies grandis) to the left and growing within the Grand Fir's spreading branches, a different fir trunk, the Noble Fir (Abies procera). Arboretum founder and planter John Abbuhl allows that the two trees could of been placed with more distance between them but as they stand they illustrate the famous Aesop fable "The Tortoise and the Hare". Both Firs were planted at the same time. The largest of all firs, the Grand Fir can grow 300 ft. tall. It is a very quick grower and at the Arboretum it dwarfs its fir partner. The Grand Fir is not long lived according to John, with a life span of about 250 years. Next to it, the Noble Fir grows second largest of any fir and lives to a thousand years. The Noble Fir will be standing tall and growing for many hundred years while the Grand Fir next to it will be fallen, decayed and returned to the earth.

THE GOLDEN CHAIN TREE AT PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM

2011-06-11T11:28:00.007-04:00

The Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum X Watereri) at Pine Hollow

One of my favorite trees at the Pine Hollow Arboretum is the Golden Chain tree. The reason I love this tree is because when it is in bloom, its blossoms are long clusters of bright yellow flowers that cascade downwards like Chinese lanterns bursting with light. They are magnificent to see and fragrant as well. There are four of them at the arboretum and they can be found in the area near the waterfall.

The Golden Chain tree originated in Europe. The Latin name is Laburnum x Watereri ‘Vossii’. It is an ornamental tree and a member of the pea family. This tree enjoys almost any soil type as long as it is well drained and in full sun or partial shade. At its maturity it will stand 15 - 20 feet in height and produce flower clusters 8 inches long which makes it particularly well suited for bordering garden paths and walkways. It is a favorite flowering tree of English country gardens. While there are a couple different varieties, the ones at the arboretum bloom in the spring. The foliage is trifoliate, somewhat like a clover, and light green in color and can be susceptible to “sunburn” during hot summer days. It has been reported that this tree is sensitive to fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Ironically, they themselves are highly toxic to people or pets if the foliage is ingested in a sizeable quantities. The seeds germinate easily and it can also be propagated by layering or grafting. The Golden Chain tree attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and is deer resistant.

--- Sue Abbuhl

IT'S ECO-SEASON 2011: GROW, BREATHE, LEARN, DISCOVER --

2011-06-01T13:39:00.012-04:00

The following article written by Pine Hollow Arboretum board member Sheri Sanduski appeared in the May 19th JEWISH WORLD NEWSPAPER. Photographs illustrating the article taken May 28, 2011 by Alan Casline.

It's Eco-Season 2011: grow. breath. learn. discover--Pine Hollow Arboretum
Summer is on our doorstep. You want to discover someplace new. Someplace close to home. A beautiful, safe, exhilarating outdoor adventure to bring your family to explore, or to take in some quiet solace for yourself after a busy day. Discover the possibilities at the Pine Hollow Arboretum, an emerging non profit organization situated in the heart of Slingerlands, New York on a 25-acre tranquil preserve, just a few miles from Albany. The Arboretum is home to a thriving ecosystem of over 3,000 trees from all over the world. The land has been planted over the last forty years by retired Pediatrician Dr. John Abbuhl. As a forever to be undisturbed, living outdoor treasure, the Arboretum features twelve ponds, sweeping groves and meandering traills all waiting for visitors to explore.

Trees planted at the Arboretum, when they succeed, have shown a natural adaption to our region. Trees are an essentialpart of healthy habitats around the world and contribute directly to biodiversity. Tree conservation benefits everyone. people of all ages can appreciate a natural environment like Pine Hollow Arboretum. Fortunately for people from our region, it is literally right in our own backyard. For visitors outside our region, it is a destination worth the trip.

Each season brings its own beauty to the Arboretum. Whether exploring the trails, taking in the blossoms, or simply relaxing with an exquisite view, a new discovery awaits you with each visit. One walking tour provides just a glimpse of all that the horticultural collection has to offer, to learn, explore and energize. Experience the Arboretum and become a member.

The Arboretum is open on weekends from 10:00 am to 4:00 PM from April though October. Tours at other times can be arranged by calling ahead. Grounds are generally open to the public from dawn to dusk each day. Please call ahead if you are interested in visiting the Arboretum on your own. The Entrance Trail slopes downhill from a spot right behind the Visitor Center Building located at 16 Maple Avenue in Slingerlands, New York. Arboretum members, students, and accompanied children are free; there is a $3.00 donation for all others. Please call Kay Abbuhl at (518) 439-6472 to arrange a visit or a tour.

Pine Hollow Arboretum will awaken your senses. Come for a day, connect for a lifetime to enjoy the peace, tranquility and especially, the trees.

-------- Sheri Sanduski

PEOPLE OUTNUMBER CANADA GEESE ON WEEKEND

2011-05-05T08:24:00.036-04:00

OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND SPRING 2011

Barbara Quint talked to Nate Horwitz and me from the bench by the willows at the end of Long Pond. She said there was a pair of Canada Geese who swam close together and had a nest near the pond shore. Two ducks seemed to be in a territorial battle over a third. The large gold koi and large yellow koi were active swimming in and out of shadowy weeds. The water lily leaves have not fully emerged yet and these water plants were most visible as greening yellow stems under the water surface. I encouraged Barbara to return in early summer to see them in flower. She asked how many koi are there in the pond? I don't know. I took some photos of tadpoles. Their external gills soon to be replaced though metamorphosis to the adult bullfrog. Plop, plop, plop as you walked any pond edge showed many small frogs had successfully wintered.

Two successful events brought over seventy-five people of all ages to Pine Hollow Arboretum on the weekend of April 29-May 1, 2011. The Music of Jim Williams and the written talent of the Delmar Writers Group brought out a nice appreciative crowd for the Showcase on Friday night April 29th. John Abbuhl said he parked seventeen cars which means there were more cars then deer at the Arboretum that evening. Marion Menna, Alan Casline, Paul Amidon, Jean Van Dyk, Mimi Moriarty read poetry. Susan Morse and Julie Cushine-Rigg shared some of their prose. It might be close but it appears there were more writers then ducks at the Arboretum.

Jim Willams makes music

poetry crowd at Pine Hollow Arboretum

Susan Morse

Poet Paul Amidon

Mimi Moriarty reads at Pine Hollow Arboretum

Sunday, May 1st was a sunny warm day and many people came by to visit the grounds during our Open House. For some it was a return visit but many had promised themselves in the past they would visit and were happy they had finally made the trek. The familar "I had no idea this was here" echoed in the hollow and up the hills. All were encouraged to come back and see the changing variety of flowering trees as we move into late Spring. It was nice seeing so many folks enjoy the plantings, ponds and trails. I must report, however, despite the large turnout that the frogs still outnumbered people by a large number. Here are some photos of the Open House.

--Alan Casline

SPRING APRIL 26, 2011

2011-04-26T19:24:00.019-04:00

The Delmar Writers Group Reading is at 7:00 pm on Friday April 29, 2011
Grounds Open All Day. Visitors Center open staring at 5:30 pm.

OPEN HOUSE on Sunday May 1, 2001 starting at 2:00 pm. Arboretum Tour led by John Abbuhl Meet at Visitors Center

Photos taken on Tuesday April 26, 2011 by Alan Casline

2011 SPRING EVENTS AT PINE HOLLOW ARBOURETUM

2011-03-20T11:59:00.009-04:00

The weekend of Friday April 29th to Sunday May 1st are is going to be busy at Pine Hollow Arboretum. On Friday evening the Delmar Writers Group will presenting a Delmar Writers Showcase starting at 7:00 PM at the Visitors Center. Sunday Afternoon May 1st will be the Neighborhood and Community OPEN HOUSE.

Hello Neighbors!
We are the Pine Hollow Arboretum
and we would love to show you around!

OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY, MAY 1st, 2011
from 2 to 5 pm

at the Pine Hollow Arboretum
16 Maple Avenue
Slingerlands, New York 12195
(518) 439-6472

Pine Hollow Arboretum * a new not-for-profit * 25 acres of trees in a natural setting * within walking distance *

Bring your walking shoes or boots to hike the many trails and to see the property’s varied land and plantings. We go forth rain or shine! Interpreters will be available at unique places.

Light Refreshments will be offered!

No reservation needed but if you know you are coming
please e-mail us at pinehollowarb@aol.com and let us know.

Can’t make it. Send us your e-mail address if you want to stay
informed about opportunities and events

PHOTO OF VOLUNTEERS

2011-02-09T19:04:00.006-05:00

This photo from the summer of 2010 by Mike Klugman shows many of our Pine Hollow Arboretum volunteers. These and other helpers, including Board Members, are a great resource and contribute to the effort needed to keep our place presentable.

Pictured (L to R): Ellen Manning, Audrey Hawkins, Kay Abbuhl, John Abbuhl, Sherry Hawley, Sue Dearstyne-Abbuhl, Marion Menna, Judy White, Donna Stiglmeier

DECEMBER VISIT

2010-12-14T20:04:00.007-05:00

A snow storm sets up an opportunity to visit the Arboretum. There are lots of tracks when you get there. If you are lucky none of them will be human. Call ahead to (518) 439-6472 and John and Kate Abbuhl will make you welcome. I was dropping off the Pine Hollow Arboretum 2011 Calendar and brought my camera.

BALD CYPRESS

2010-11-16T09:33:00.011-05:00

An example of the unique landscape at Pine Hollow Arboretum occurs late in the year when the view is filled with orange, rust and different brown colored trees as well as the different evergreens and yellow, brown and red deciduous hardwoods. One of the "rust" colors comes from the dozen or so Bald Cypress trees found in the Arboretum. The Bald Cypress or Swamp Cypress is a native American tree found in much of the southeastern United States from Maryland to Texas, especially inland up the Mississippi River to southern Indiana. It is common in the Everglades and is the official state tree of Louisiana. It is deciduous in the north and evergreen in the south. It has alternate, awl-shaped leaves, globose cones and sometimes aerial root knees.

The knees or upbent roots project from the root system upward above water level to facilitate gas exchange.Large trees reach 100-150 ft. tall with over 36 ft. trunk diameter. The Methuselah Cypress found in Big Tree Park in Longwood, Florida is 118 ft. tall and 3,500 years-old.

John Abbuhl points out they are a tree that will grow in standing water but they do not have to and will grow equally well in moist soil. John has found Bald Cypress can grow in the north provided the individual tree has the "right genetics". He doesn't think they have great variation in genetic make-up, as for example an apple tree has,but he has observed vast difference in growth pattern from individual tree to tree here in the Arborteum. He reported that there has been a 90% survival rate of Bald Cypress he has planted here. There is one area, however where it is different and 90% have not survived. He has observed it is where reed canary grass predominates. Bald Cypress are called "bald" because of their deciduous character. It is a member of the redwood family of trees. The true cypress belong to a separate family of trees. Like another decidous conifer found at Pine Hollow, the Metasequoia or "dawn redwood", the Bald Cypress dates from very ancient times. During the Jurasic Age it was a widely distributed tree. Two relatives of the Bald Cypress, the Weeping Bald Cypress and the Fastigate Bald Cypress are also present at Pine Hollow Arbouretum. The wood of the Bald Cypress was used by Seminoles for building their houses, canoes and for special ceremonial objects. The Choctaw Indians used the bark for string and rope. Making the wood useful is the fact it is extremely rot and termite resistant. In its native habitate it has been much used for roof shingles and traditionaly has a special use for greenhouse racks and benches. There is a current environmental concern over the use of cypress mulch as opposed to using cedar mulch. Damage to the ecosystem is being caused by the ravaging of cypress swamps in the south for mulch production. Cedar mulch seems more renewable and a more green choice

SPECIAL EVENT

2010-11-14T19:51:00.004-05:00

Keep Visiting!

2010-10-29T11:04:00.002-04:00

Pine Hollow is looking particularly beautiful these days - we are having a lovely fall this year. As we make the transition from fall in to winter we hope folks from Bethlehem and the greater Capital Region community continue to come on by to observe and enjoy the daily changes. PHA weekend Open Houses have concluded for this calendar year but anyone wishing to visit during the week or on weekends should contact the Arboretum by phone or email to arrange a time and date.

Visitor From Cornell

2010-10-29T11:00:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago, Nina Bassuk stopped by to visit with PHA Founder Dr. John Abbuhl. Dr. Bassuk is a Professor of Urban Horticulture in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and Director of the Urban Horticulture Institute there. Dr. Bassuk is a world-renowned figure, and has led ground-breaking research in many areas of interest to the greater Pine Hollow Arboretum community. During a several hour tour Dr. Bassuk remarked that some trees at the Arboretum she had only read about or seen in pictures! She also indicated that she wished Slingerlands were closer to Cornell because she would use the arboretum as a lab for students. We hope to develop a closer relationship with Cornell, along with other schools in upstate NY whose students might be interested in our unique forest resource. Many thanks to PHA Board Member Chuck Smith for setting up this visit.

BETHLEHEM SCIENCE TEACHERS VISIT

2010-10-21T09:08:00.011-04:00

On October 12th Board Member and Bethlehem School District Science Education Coordinator Mike Klugman hosted a gathering of BCHS middle and high school teachers at the arboretum. About 20 "GREEN TEAM" people were in attendance. As a result of the visit Mike and Pine Hollow have received numerous emails from teachers, and others, suggesting ways the Arboretum and its facilities might be used to engage and educate students at all grade levels. While the Life Sciences might be the most obvious area to design and deliver curriculum material there are obvious connections to art, language and even various forms of media studies. Pine Hollow would also like to develop an easy to use curriculum that can be used by a lay person to lead a tour of the arboretum with children. Mike has already brought a few students to do geomapping at the arboretum and plans on expanding efforts in this area. We encourage any interested educators in the area, at any level of study, to take advantage of our unique forest resource. Please phone or email us! Phone:518-439-6472 and E-mail: pinehollowarb@aol.com

WALT FRANKLIN at Pine Hollow Arboretum

2010-08-27T21:18:00.005-04:00

WALT FRANKLIN at Pine Hollow Arboretum
Saturday September 25, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Pine Hollow Headquarters Building
16 Maple Avenue Slingerlands NY

At 7 pm Pine Hollow Arboretum
Presents Author Walt Franklin
Reading and Book Signing
for his new outdoor/nature book
Sand & Sage The Trails Beyond
at the Arboretum Headquarters Building

Walt Franklin is a writer, educator, and naturalist since his days of boyhood in the Hudson Valley. An active member of the Genesee Watershed Association in Pennsylvania and of Trout Unlimited in New York. Franklin has also traveled widely throughout Europe and the American West. His many published books include River’s Edge(2008) and A Rivertop Journal (2005). His poetry has been published in a number of books and many magazines including Rootdrinker. He is an appreciator of Bozenkill poet W.W. Christman, whose work he cites as an important influence on his life.

At 4:30 pm Arboretum founder and planter John Abbuhl will lead a Tour of the Arboretum. Please arrive at the 16 Maple Ave. Building by 4:15 as Tour must start on time in order to have enough daylight to be completed.
Preregistration for the tour is not necessary
but is appreciated. Call (518) 439-6472 to sign-up.

For Information on the Reading or Tour phone (518) 439-6472

POETRY AT THE ARBORETUM

2010-08-27T19:52:00.006-04:00

Left to Right: Howard Kogan, Ron Pavoldi, Alan Casline, Virginia Acquario,
John Abbuhl, Marion Menna, Rachael Ikins, Mimi Moriarity, Mike Burke,
Jim Williams and Dennis Sullivan

On Friday August 13, 2010 poets once again gathered at Pine Hollow Arboretum for what is quickly becoming a signature event for local poets of the Towns of Bethlehem and New Scotland. A number of poets from farther afield, including Rachael Ikins who has moved to near Syracuse, New York in the past year came to join in the celebration of Pine Hollow Arboretum's work. Member poets Alan Casline, John Abbuhl, Marion Menna, Mike Burke and first time poetry reader Virginia Acquario, welcomed their friends and colleagues for an evening of verse, old lines, omnifarious mutter and twisted syntax ( and that's just my own first poem). Other well appreciated poets who performed were Mimi Moriarity, Jim Williams, Obeeduid, Dennis Sullivan, Rachael Ikins, Ron Pavoldi and Howard Kogan. Unable to attend in person but present in her poetry read by her friends Mimi Moriarity and Marion Menna of Delmar Writers Group was Sharon Stenson. A nice audience of friends and poetry fans helped to make it a great evening. As one poet told me afterwards a beautiful setting and a good listening audience.
Jim Williams added to the second round robin session by bringing out his five wooded guitar and playing two original acoustic songs.

"Some of these trees used to be tiny," John Abbuhl tells Howard Kogan
Howard Kogan warms up poetic voice before the reading

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AT OUR PLEIN AIR ART SHOW

2010-07-18T22:34:00.007-04:00

Sunday July 18, 2010 brought together a grand gathering of Visual Art, Artists, Friends and Supporters to the Pine Hollow Arboretum. The Plein Air events put artists on our grounds and the results were amazing. Virginia Acquario coordinated the event and the warm day brought out a nice crowd of people to see the results. More than one artist admitted to a late deadline and in a few cases artist's brought still wet paint to hang on our walls. Forty-one different pieces by nineteen artists displayed work in a great variety of mediums. Music was provided by Mike Harrison and refreshments by Pine Hollow Arboretum Board and Members. The grounds were open for people to walk our trails and see where all the inspiration came from. Sixty-three votes were cast and the People have spoken! First Place went to an acrylic painting Maple St. Entrance by Joan Baim. Second Place ended in a three way tie between Robert E. Link, Virginia Acquario and Peg Vetro. Link was honored for his watercolor Pine Hollow Mallards; Acquario for an acrylic and watercolor ponder and Vetro for her pastel Front Pond at Pine Hollow.

Joan Baim People's Choice

The difficulty in selecting is illustrated by the fact that seventeen artists received votes. Other participating artists included: Marion Menna, Dee Foley, Ellen Prakken, Judy Scanlon, Kevin Kuhne, Linda Nimmer, Laura Strong, M.J. Adelman, Jacqueline Smith, Juliet Lafaro, Obeeduid and Callie Winkeller.

Thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this Exhibit possible. They are: Bethlehem Garden Club; Thomas Bailey; Rootdrinker Institute; Arlene's Art Supply; Price Chopper; Delmar Sign Shop and Ship, Copy & More (Rich Schaefer)

Mike Harrison

Happy Day at the Art Show

Playing in the Band

Pondering your vote at 16 Maple Street

one choice/one vote

COME TO ART SHOW AT PINE HOLLOW JULY 18, 2010

2010-07-15T11:22:00.003-04:00

The unveiling of Pine Hollow Arborteum inspired art work will take place at the headquarters building on Sunday July 18, 2010 from 2 pm to 5 pm. Area artists have been at the Arboretum this summer with brush, pen, camera, laptop and who knows what developing yet to be seen masterpieces. The Artwork will be hung on display. Members, public, everyone is invited to stop by. Music to be provided by Jim Harrison, light refreshments by the Pine Hollow Board with a Teen and Children's Art Exhibit set up for your viewing pleasure. Best in Show and Second and Third Place winners will be determined by a People's Choice ballot. One vote per person but large families are encouraged.

This year's Plein Air event has been successful even though there had been rain on scheduled days. Artists enjoyed the open grounds on other days and the opportunity to walk among the beautiful plantings can be inspiring in itself. Pine Hollow Arboretum will be open during the art show and according to our regular weekend hours as well.

PLEIN AIR JUNE 5th AND JUNE 12th AT PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM

2010-05-21T15:51:00.004-04:00

The Pine Hollow Arboretum is hosting Plein Air (Open Air) events on June 5 and June 12 and it hopes that these cultural events will enable local artists to experience the beauty and light that the Arboretum has to offer. After the artists have worked on site and framed their work a People's Choice Award Reception will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2010 between the hours of 2 PM amd 5 PM. Music and light refreshments will be provided to complete the occasion. Call to register as an artist at 518-439-6472 or 518-439-7132 to participate in June or join us on July 18th for the reception.

Free admission for the July reception.
$5 entry for artists to participate in the June dates and exhibit.

Virginia Acquario aka Vicki

FLOWER POWER photos by John Abbuhl

2010-04-14T13:26:00.003-04:00

I am trying to learn the slide show feature for this blog. Click on the address below and then click on slide show. Does this work?
--- Alan Casline

http://picasaweb.google.com/Rootdrinker/JohnAbbuhlPhotographs/

MAGNOLIAS

2010-04-09T11:18:00.001-04:00

Guess what happens when the temperature is 80 degrees????
The magnolias start to bloom, fast and all at once!!!!
Come this weekend to see the blooms. they are spectacular!

Spring at the Arboretum

2010-04-02T08:57:00.002-04:00

The snow is almost gone and spring is HERE!!!!
We have some coming events to tell you about:
TOUR OF MAGNOLIAS: with John Abbuhl
Sat. April 24th at 2PM and Sun. April 25th at 1PM members free, nonmembers $10
reservations needed, numbers limited
TOUR OF RHODODENDRONS AND AZALEAS with John Abbuhl
Sat. May 22nd at 1 PM and Sun May 23rd at 1 PM members free, nonmembers $10
reservations needed, numbers limited
PLEIN AIR IN THE ARBORETUM
Sat. June 5th and Sat. June 12th between 10 AM and 4 PM
registration by artisits $5, call before June 1st
People's choice Awards Reception. Sun July 18th 4-6Pm free to public
HANDS ON PRUNING WORKSHOP with Sandra Walck
Sat. July 17th at 1 PM, members free, nonmembers $10
reservations needed, numbers limited
For info or reservations call Arboretum at 439-6472

WINTER WORK AT PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM

2010-02-19T19:10:00.015-05:00

The cold wind may blow but there is still lots of work going on at Pine Hollow Arboretum.
Breaking it down, here are three areas where John Abbul and other Arboretum workers tackle some of the necessary winter tasks. On a seasonal basis, just as nature has cycles and changes, so does the work effort needed to keep the Arboretum

healthy and growing.

First off, John and Steve Truss have been busy with landscape logging. John told me they had just taken down nine trees. Eight ash and one hybrid chestnut. Some trees need to be cut to facilitate the growth of existing plantings. After they fall each tree is cut into small log lengths which are then neatly stacked off the trail. The Pine Hollow philosophy is to leave tree debris to decay in its natural environment. The hybrid chestnut was one of a number in a grove. It did not have the growth characterists of the others and John said thus it was "removed from the gene pool."

Second, John Abbuhl and Audrey Hawkins have been at work on an important labeling project. For six years (2004-2009) plantings had not been labeled. Of the three thousand recorded plantings in Pine Hollow Arboretum approximately 80% have labels. These plantings would be included in the unlabeled 20 %. After their efforts now all the plantings for the six years were entered into the permanent records. These records include the location. From this data it will be possible to place labels on trees. John says "This will be ten times more difficult than you believe." But what a wonderful learning opportunity! This Spring and Summer the labeling project will be advanced by finding the match between planting and planting record and attaching a label to the plant itself.

A third area of winter work is determining the spring order of new specimens. Our world class collection is a mix of the common and the unusual. John Abbuhl said the 2010 order will follow
his traditional method. John said he looks for and will try any new species that can survive in our climate. As the current collection indicates, any fir, spruce, pine, birch or decidious tree that would have a chance of surviving and is not currently growing here will likely be purchased. John will try again with species that have failed in the past and sometimes a past failure will be reversed by changes in the growth variables (such as where on the property it is planted) and/or the genetic characteristics of the specimen itself. According to John three-quarters of Zone 6 rated planting can and have survived here. In dollar terms, Pine Hollow Arboretum is spending more than $2,000 on new plantings this year.

old playhouse

MY LOVE OF TREES BY MICHAEL KLUGMAN

2009-12-21T18:10:00.014-05:00

I remember my first visit, as a 9 year old more than 30 years ago, to the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) like it was yesterday. I desperately wanted to be an archeologist and search for dinosaurs around the planet and visiting the Museum was like going to a candy store. For every fossilized dinosaur I saw that day I imagined two more that I could have discovered. I imagined going back in time to what the Earth could have been like during the time of the dinosaurs and in my mind’s eye I could stand and watch an amazing clash of these titans.

I also have another very distinct memory of that day. It was the day that I first became awed by any member of the plant world, and more specifically, the day that I began to love trees.

If you haven’t visited the museum and you love trees, or if you just have a general neutrality about trees you will want to visit the display of a cross-section of a Giant Sequoia tree cut down in 1891 that lived to be more than 1,300 years old. This specimen, that once stood more than 300 feet tall, inspired words like “proud,” and “majestic,” but it also inspired an overwhelming sense of humility. This specimen reminded me of what a big, beautiful, and wondrous planet we live on and it led me to perspective on the significance of a species that lives for 10 to 20 times or more than that of man. Humility wasn’t a word that I was familiar with then, but on that day I discovered what it meant. (see: http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/expeditions/treasure_fossil/Treasures/Giant_Sequoia/sequoia.html)
I also remember being saddened by the demise of this tree, but even more I remember being elated that there were several more specimens still alive that were older and taller. I have not yet visited California to see these amazing wonders, but it is on the top of my list of places to go and soon.

As I stared in awed reverence at the display I quickly realized the impossibility of trying to count the rings of this tree. Fortunately, the museum marked significant dates in human history with their corresponding chronologic ring along the cross sectional girth. To think that this tree stood serenely on the western coast of this “new” land when Christopher Columbus set foot for the first time on its soil is fascinating and even at this point in time, this tree was nearly 1,000 years old.

I was deeply moved for reasons that I couldn’t understand (after all, I was only 9). I tried to imagine what it must be like to be an organism that witnessed 1,300 years of history. How many snow storms, lightning strikes, new and extinct species of animal and plant, and human events had this organism been present to observe? Even at 9 I had a concept of trees not being sentient in the sense of being able to make observations, but knowing and imagining are two different things. In my imagination, this tree was like a wise elder friend silently, but positively ‘there’ whenever one would want to, or need to visit. I imagined myself lying by myself in a forest of these quiet giants simply staring at their majesty and the sky through their branches. It’s hard to imagine what stress feels in this context. One simply goes to a place where stressors just don’t seem important.

After a few minutes I came to realize the conspicuous quiet of the display despite the ten or so other visitors who, like me, were simply in awe. I was comforted in knowing that I was not alone in this quiet celebration of a species that wasn’t ‘us.’

Today, some 32 or so years later, I still love trees. Among some of my favorites are many trees who I would guess remain largely inconspicuous to most. The love that I have for trees has an additional dimension now though. As much as I still find peace and calm when I walk among trees, I also revere trees for the interdependence that we humans have with them.

INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS

As I write this, leaders from around the world (119 countries to be precise) have gathered in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (http://en.cop15.dk/) and all hopes from around the world point to interventions that will have a dynamic impact on our entire planet.

Among these is the preservation of trees. The photo to the right demonstrates deforestation in Brazil. This entire region was once covered with rainforest, but as a result of the different
governmental policies and lack of protections it is now all too evident where deforestation exists. Let this picture serve as an indication of what irresponsible actions look like. Let this picture also serve as cause for hope that we all can recognize how responsible action can inform policy and cause positive change that reaches far into the future.

Closer to Home

For lovers of trees who would like to celebrate and enjoy a prime example of how we can live responsibly and celebrate our interdependence with trees I would encourage a visit to the Pine Hollow Arboretum. With nearly 3,000 plantings of trees and shrubs that are zoned for this region the Arboretum is a place that I find inspirational. Dr. John Abbuhl’s effort to cultivate the Arboretum enters its 45th year and if one isn’t inspired by the level of detail of the site, s/he will be after talking with John about any of the species planted here.

Among my favorites are the Metasequoia, cousin to the Giant Sequoia. John has several planted that, although nearly 30 years old and almost 75 feet tall, are in their infancy! One can’t help but wonder what historical events these great trees will witness. Oh, and they aren’t even the tallest trees in the Arboretum…yet!

For readers who would like more information on subjects like this one please read the words of E.O. Wilson (http://www.eowilson.org/ ), and Wangari Maathai (http://en.cop15.dk/blogs/view+blog?blogid=1893).

Michael Klugman
K-12 Science Supervisor
Bethlehem Central School District

Photos in the left hand column can be enlarged by clicking on the photo. Photo credits for this post (from top of column) Metasequoia at Pine Hollow, Giant Sequoia from http://fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/gsnm/feis/chap1/images/ and http://goes.gsfc.nasa.gov/pub/goes/010808.brazel.gif/

FIRST SNOW AT PINE HOLLOW

2009-12-07T11:46:00.014-05:00

View at Maple Avenue Trail

Tao of Pine Hollow (see the ying and yang symbol in this photo?)

"All Dressed Up With No Place To Go"

Cherry Tree on Japanese Hill

Snow Top Hats On Seedheads

Translucent Snow Branch

The first snow, a moist enmeshing cover, came to Pine Hollow on December 5th. These photos were taken on December 6, 2009 around 10 am to 10:30 am Sunday morning. (all photos in lefthand column can be enlarged by clicking on them)

A FOREST OF EASTERN WHITE PINE AT PINE HOLLOW

2009-12-03T21:39:00.022-05:00

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) an evergreen of straight-grained soft wood with little resin. The tree is most prominent on our arboretum landscape. They can live upwards of 450 years but none of our specimens approach that age. Unlike so many imported species we have here, the Eastern White Pines are native, what I call volunteers, and the north section of the arboretum is a natural forest area of approximately five acres with numerous 90-100 year-old trees forming an impressive overstory. Underneath is found a forest floor environment which suits many other native plants, scrubs and second growth trees. Contrast the neat even rows of a pine tree plantation with the multi-trunked organic forms of the pines of our Natural Forest Area. Common names for these trees are northern white pine, soft pine and Weymouth pine. They range through-out eastern North America from Ontario, around the whole Great Lakes and down the Appalachian mountain range to northern Georgia. A variety grows in the mountains of southern Mexico and Guatemala. White pine is now naturalizing along the mountain slopes of the Czech Republic and southern Poland.

The Weymouth pine name for our native (I better say American) tree is an interesting story. The large straight trees that greeted the European settlers were considered "vital" military and commerical resources to the English Government. They were used as masts and keel of sailing ships. In 1620, Captain Weymouth planted the white pine species in England without success. The white pine blister rust disease did not allow their usable growth. England by necessity remained dependent on our native trees. Forests of white pines were declared to be "Kingtrees" and even individual trees were selected with the "broad arrow" axe mark reserving them for the British Royal Navy. This reserving of the best trees fed into the growing resentment of American settlers of their Colonial status. The first flag of the American Revolutionary War had a white pine emblem. During the actual war period the patriots use to challenge each other to see how many Kingtrees a single man could axe and haul.

The white pine has an older sacred history as the Great Tree of Peace for the Haudenosaunne. These native peoples include those who lived in the region where Pine Hollow Arboretum now exists. Legend has it that the Haudenosaunne were living in a dark violent period with war among their five nations. A messager of peace was sent by the creator to bring a way for people to find a Great Law of Peace. The Eastern White Pine became known as The Great Tree of Peace. It was a symbol because being very tall it could be seen from afar. Needles were in clusters of five like the five nations bound together as one. The needles stayed green. Even as seasons change the tree stays green and so shall the Great Peace stay. The white pine was uprooted and into the hole made by the roots were cast down weapons. Buried were greed, hate and jealousy. The tree was placed up again and as tree roots spread in all four directions so was the Great Law of Peace to be spread. On top of the tree sits an eagle. The eagle a watcher to warn of any approaching danger.

I thought the white pine forest here might have been a product of the wave of Conservation Corps seedling tree plantings which were prevalent in New York State in the 1920s-1940s. Not so, according to John Abbuhl. He told me they are first growth, natural seeded in abandoned farm fields. There are a few white pines found in different border areas of the arboretum that are a bit older, from 100 to 120 years old. White pine are scattered through-out the arboretum and observation shows mixed results based on how wet one finds the soil. When the soil is too wet the white pine grow stunted, size limited. Intermediate wet soil allows large tree growth however these trees get wind thrown in spring. A whole tree will be blown down. You see them lying sideways with the whole root section lifted up and away from the land. The hills and drained land are suited to long term growth. John Abbuhl envisions the day when Pine Hollow Arboretum is known as home to a Virgin Forest of White Pine. In talking with John I was surprised to learn a Virgin Forest is defined as one of trees at least 200 years-old. I thought Virgin meant before the coming of the Norman and his sawmill to Albany County and the cutting down of all the big trees to built ships and houses. So John is right, someday there will be a white pine forest here of 200 year-old trees. A baby born this year might see it. Pines grow in open fields, fire areas and where there are landslides and blowdowns. In a deep forest cover there is not enough light for pine seedlings. A White Pine forest is not a climax forest. In tree succession oaks come in under it and in northern environs maples. yellow birch and ash. In the Albany Pine Bush pitchpine is climax because of fire. So imagine you could have a 200 year-old forest of white pine tress that is not a climax forest, that is not permanent, that is going to be replaced.

---Alan Casline

HOLIDAY ARTS SALE AT PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM

2009-11-18T19:57:00.002-05:00

METASEQUOIA LIVE HERE

2009-10-27T13:49:00.039-04:00

In 1941 Gan Duo, a botanist, came upon a village in west-central China. The villagers there had a small shrine at the base of a large tree of a then unknown species. The villagers worshiped a god they believed lived inside the tree. So was found the first and at the time only live example of a tree known then through its fossil record, the metasequoia (metasequoia glyptoboides) Seeds were collected on later expeditions and a large grove discovered deep in an isolated valley. The native trees are rare. Only a small population was ever known. Found on the Sichuan-Hubei border country, the center of population for the metasequoia was about 6,000 large trees and most of them were logged in the early 1950s. According to The Gymnosperm Database the conservation status of native metasequoia is critically endangered. The tree is known as a fossil or relic tree. One that had world wide distribution 100 million years ago. A common name for it is "Dinosaur Tree" It is thought that the third ice age, 3 million years ago almost drove the tree to extinction. Today the metasequoia is widely planted as an ornamental, especially prized because of its "rapid growth". It is reported that several million trees (most from root cuttings) are planted in China each year. The tree has been introduced in over fifty countries. Other common names for the metasequoia are "Dawn Redwood" and "Water Fir" (SHUI SHANC in Chinese).

John with 2009 metasequoia planting (rust colored)

Experts describe a tree with "a tapering trunk broadening to the buttressed base, conical when young, developing a broad, rounded crown with age." How old the trees live to is not known. The age of over 400 years is attributed to the old tree first found in the village in China. As Pine Hollow Arboretum's John Abbuhl asked "Does anyone know of any who stopped growing and succumbed to old age?"
Not every tree species is going to have equal success at an arboretum and we are lucky here at Pine Hollow Arboretum to have conditions that nurture the metasequoia. The Metasequoia Field is a favorite stopping place for visitors and the trees themselves are attractive for many of the children that visit with their parents or with school groups. Their native habitats in China are shady, moist sites, such as ravine stream banks. They like to have their feet wet but not as wet as some other species like the Bald Cypress, a swamp tree that also seems to do well here. John Abbuhl said that like all redwoods, the metasequoia like moist deep soil. He said it seems our soil and water are perfect conditions for them to do well. Another part of the interesting history of the metasequoia is because of Red China's closed to the West policies
the only available trees came from seed brought out of China in 1946 and propagated by the Arnold Arboretum. Our trees come from this genetic stock. As might be expected, western stock suffers from inbreeding depression. Currently Dawes Arboretum has young plantings from new seed stock which can be used to improve the genetic mix at some time in the future. We have six metasequoia growing at Pine Hollow Arboretum. Three were planted in 1968-70 purchased from Jeffer's Nursery in Slingerlands, New York. Another was planted some time later in the early 1980's with one failure because of mouse griddling the first winter. Last year and this year new young trees were planted. The tallest (but not the oldest) tree is about sixty feet tall. The original tree has the largest trunk, about five feet around. This tree is producing cones but as of yet no seedlings. Of the oldest three trees, the third has started a growth spurt. John Abbuhl thinks it was perhaps in too wet of a spot but now as its root system has spread it is reaching more optimal balance of soil and water. The largest know metasequoias are about 160 feet tall with a trunk diameter greater than 8 feet. Those are in China, of course. In North America, the Pine Hollow Arboretum trees are very respectable, among the larger sized. There are numbers of older trees but not all of them are in such perfect settings.

--- Alan Casline

NOTES FROM THE POETRY READING

2009-08-17T14:11:00.007-04:00

Front Pond, 6:15 pm, August 14, 2009

The tour of the arboretum was much more than we expected. John's dedication and knowledge were very impressive! It's wonderful to be in his company, both as botanist (if he calls himself that) and poet. The audience for the poetry reading seemed to be appreciative of the varied voices and styles. It's a lovely venue for poetry and I recommend that this event be repeated often. The refreshments were a very nice touch - after the walk we were thirsty and hungry - so a big thank you to Kate for her contribution, as well.

---Mimi Moriarty

on the arboretum tour: visting the "Big Pile"

I have already gotten some "feed back" from non poet neighbors who loved it! I think it is very exciting to merge all these different talents and interests.

---Kay Abbuhl

poets: (front row L. to R.) Joyce Schreiber, Marion Menna, Mimi Moriarty
(row two) Susan Morse, Rachael Ikins
(row three) Ron Pavoldi, Obeeduid, Alan Casline

Thanks all for one of the best poetry readings I have ever been a part of . It was right up there with the Smitty's Tavern reading this spring. I thought the audience was the best collective group I have ever read to. I like our "poets reading for other poets" readings very much but this one had a broader appeal, maybe because of the site and the mix of mailing lists and publicity. (both the TU and Metroland didn't list it but I guess the Delmar Spotlight and Altamont Enterprise did.) The crowd was so attentive and into it -- it was like they were adding clarity and meaning to the poems just by the power of their listening. I thought poets were on as well; with content, selection and presentation. The new Rootdrinker Institute PA did a fine job too. Thanks to John and Kate for once again making folks feel welcome on their turf.
--- Alan Casline

POETS AT THE ARBORETUM

2009-07-30T21:03:00.016-04:00

POETS AT PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM ON AUGUST 14th

Celebrate nature with poetry at the beautiful Pine Hollow Arboretum in Slingerlands, New York.

A late summer Friday evening event sponsored by the Arboretum will feature John Abbuhl and Alan Casline from the Arboretum and a host of other local poets. The event is being held indoors at the Pine Hollow Arboretum building at 16 Maple Ave. on Friday, August 14, 2009 beginning at 7:30pm and ending at 10 pm. Early arrivals are welcome to sign-in at the headquarters and visit the grounds. Light refreshments will be provided by the Arboretum members. Poets scheduled to appear are Ron Pavoldi, Rachael Ikins, Marion Menna, Susan Morse, Alan Casline, Tim Verhaegen, John Abbuhl, Mimi Moriarty, Tim Lake, Edie Abrams, Obeeduid, Joyce Schreiber and others. The contents of this event are biodegradable and will leave only wordprints.

Contact Alan Casline at ACASLINE@aol.com or Pine Hollow Arboretum at Pinehollowarb@aol.com for more information.

SAMPLE POEMS

VISION

What am I? I am what is
that I have helped along
the children that have grown to be
and have begot their own.

I am the grasses and the trees
a landscape all its own
that shows its flowers to the world
and pleasures those that see.

And I’ve been there with helping hand
to save a special land
so those that come in future days
can sense that fortune favored them,

By saving beauty to behold
above a daily life
and thus give meaning much apart
from what all, that’s only strife.

For vision is a gift of mind
that comes from all before
and flowers at each future time
connecting all that’s right.

John W. Abbuhl
24 May’03

VIEW FROM LATER

hillside maples

forest of plantings

photo of Dad

bucket to move small trees

shovel a stave

one hand holds straight the tree top

gentle urge to grow

one of these tall trees

is the one in the photo

still reckoned young

twenty-five years later

Alan Casline

September 23, 2008
Springs Hollow, New York

SUNDAY ART WORKS AT ARBORETUM

2009-07-20T17:20:00.017-04:00

Sunday Art Works at Arboretum (pun intended). A pun uses a word or phrase in such a way as to suggest two or more of its meanings. "Art Works" as in all the works of art displayed at 16 Maple Avenue, a rich selection in a great variety of mediums and art works as the show at Pine Hollow Arboretum worked successfully in bringing well over a hundred people to our grounds. Most of them enjoyed the trees, ponds, sunshine and fresh air as well as the talented local artists who were kind enough to display their art work. Mike Harrison added greatly to the event by donating his music in the form of singing voice and guitar playing. The guy barely took a break. He played some chords from the sixties that he claimed he is the only one who remembers. As a friend of the Arboretum, Mike be sure to let us know when your recording project is done. Right at 2 pm the crowd started arriving. Many timed it so they could take the arboretum tour guided by John Abbuhl. A hour and a half later, John came striding up the hill and told us he had 36 people on his tour. It would have been more but a few people were so sweet we had to keep them on ice and away from the wild life(bees). Lots of others took the self-guided tour. I heard two tell John they had covered 95% of the entire property. Those two better become members of the Arboretum. We need them as volunteers! One hoped for side-shoot from the day will be new members and new volunteers. It was a steady stream of people all day but our Board and members had time to enjoy the day too. Board member Audrey Hawkins summed it up well when she said, "Kudos to us all and especially Virginia Acquario for organizing and coordinating the event! It was a pleasure to see so many people enjoying the Arboretum, from small children to the elderly with canes. I heard a lot of "WOWS" ! I never knew that such a large tract of land existed back here with such beautiful trees. John 's passion has been viewed by lots more lucky folks."

Poetry here on Friday August 14, 2009 at 7:30 pm.

--- Alan Casline

2009-06-24T21:05:00.008-04:00

Art at the Arboretum

Pine Hollow Arboretum
presents
an exhibit of visual arts
by local artists
at the Arboretum

Maple Avenue entrance
16 Maple Avenue
Sunday July 19, 2009
from 2 to 5 pm
Public Welcome

light refreshments
music by Mike Harrison

children’s clothesline art show
Merrick Hosford
Phoebe Hosford
Joseph Acquario
Lora Acquario
Stephenanie Acquario
Lian Creaser
Justin Creaser
Gavin Creaser
Brenden Creaser
Stephen Acquario
Jack Acquario

Featured Local Artists

Robert E. Lynck
Ellie Prakken
Mike Whalen
Penny Koberger
Evonne Lutkus
Tom Bailey
Laura Strong
Virginia Acquario
Alan Casline
Joyce Schreiber
Daniel Schreiber
Barbara Hatch Vink
Tom Corrado
Obeeduid
Rachael Ikins
William Hetzer
Celia Whalen
Denie Whalen
M.J. Adelman

Guided tours led by Pine Hollow Arboretum
planter & founder John Abbuhl
at 2:30 and at 4:00 pm

OPEN HOUSE A NICE DAY

2009-06-15T14:45:00.015-04:00

We at the Pine Hollow Arboretum invited our neighbors to an Open House . We invited then to visit with the promise that we would love to show them around. On Sunday June 14, 2009 (with the nicest stretch of weather on a raining weekend) we had visitors come by to enjoy the sunshine and our many trails found on 25 acres of trees in a natural setting. We had 38 visitors, mostly from right around the Arboretum which made it a great success from our public relations stand point. Without exception they were enthusiastic and anxious to support the mission and kept talking about ways to help in the future. We have several tours planned for neighbors who could not come this weekend and a meeting with the Science Supervisor for the Bethlehem School District who wants to tour and then work on a curriculum for students of varying levels. All in a good direction and feeling of support! Thanks again for a successful Open House.
--- Kate Abbuhl

Couldn't make it to the Open House. Send us your e-mail address if you want to stay informed about opportunities and events
Keep viewing our blog for news on upcoming events.

Access and Educational tours by appointment.
Call (518) 439-6472

Slingerlands now has a unique forest environment, which we hope to preserve in perpetuity for the benefit of our community, town and bioregion. If you don't know about the Pine Hollow Arboretum let us introduce ourselves to you, our neighbors. We want you to know about what we are doing, how we aspire to be a world-class environmental education resource and suggest ways you might become involved as the organization takes shape and begins to grow.

MAP OF PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM

2009-06-07T12:00:00.001-04:00

Click on map to get larger image. Any photo or illustration in the left-hand column can be enlargered by clicking on it.

Yellowwood, A Rare Tree -- Now In Bloom

2009-06-04T20:04:00.008-04:00

American Yellowwood ( Cladrastis kentukea) is a mid-sized deciduous tree. Apparently it also has the scientific name Cladrastic lutea. Common names besides Yellowwood are Gopherwood and Vergilia. Andre Micheaux, the French botanist discovered the Yellowwood Tree near Fort Blount, Tennessee in 1796. I don't think it is considered likely that it is the Gopherwood mentioned in the Bible as the material that the Tower of Babel and Noah's Ark were made of. It could be where the common name came from however. American Yellowwood is called "One of the rarested trees in the eastern United States." Not native to our biota, an article I read said "many people have never seen the tree in bloom." A North Carolina botanist wrote he found only one in the wild after years of looking. Native habitate for the tree is wide but there are only a few trees scattered over large areas mostly in the upper South and in the Ozark region of Arkansas. In the wild the tree is imperiled or vulnerable. Officially the species is classified as Endangered by Illinois and Threatened by Indiana. Rare in the wild and seldom planted in yards.

Pine Hollow Arboretum is fortunate to have a mature example of this beautiful tree. The tree has wisteria-like foot-long flowers usually white but they can be pink. They do not bloom every year. The fruits are long bean-like pods. The plant is part of the Legume family and is therefore distantly related to Locusta and Red Buds. Dye makers have used the bright yellow heart wood to make yellow dye. Great chance to come by and see a mature tree in full bloom which is a stunning sight.

Signs Delivered

2009-06-03T22:56:00.003-04:00

I finished up on the signs for the Arboretum today and brought them over to be set up. John and Kate weren't around so I just went and put them up myself. I forgot to bring my map but I think I remembered where everything was. Here is the result. (see photo above) Thanks, Alan Casline

Lots of color still coming

2009-05-31T21:15:00.002-04:00

As you walk aroung the property,there are many blooms on Rhododendrons, Horse chestnusts, and Pink Locusts...not to mention the Azalias and Primroses that are still here in spite of wind and rain...and then there is the spectaculr "Tricolor Beech" so... we welcome all to share this beauty!

INTERVIEW WITH JOHN W. ABBUHL

2009-05-13T22:14:00.009-04:00

John W. Abbuhl is the builder of Pine Hollow Arboretum. He has been busy this spring adding new trees to the collection but I was still able to sit down for an interview with him one day before he "disappeared." I've been told that unless you keep him in your sight at all times he will not be there when you turn around. I understand the urge to get off on a task, to put the day to a good purpose. Here is the result of the interview:
-- Alan Casline

What was your first dream?
As a child, thinking of owning or being in charge of an expansive piece of land. The land would be up a hill and there were other people participating. "Paying out my own eg0" I grew up looking at a hill behind the house - no posted land in the 1930's. Later in life there was the opportunity to create a thousand acre preserve in the Catskills with the Cornwallville Conservation Corp.
What authors, education, teachers, mentors helped you on the pursuit of your dream?
I really can't answer that. I'm very internalized - can't think of any person who stimulated me to do what I'm doing. Father was an English teacher at R.P.I.. He didn't believe in radio except for news and prize fighting. The environmental influence of childhood is important but also I believe the genetic make-up of the individual determines alot of what someone is. You operate within your talents. Of course there is still an effect from your environment. I always spent alot of time thinking. I wouldn't go off with a book. I would sit there and think.
What happened when the forces seemed overwhelming, the obstacles too great for you to reach your dream, what did you do in reaction to that?
My glass is always "half-full". All obstacles are surmountable. Figure a way to try and get around it. That's the story of Cornwallville Conservation Corp. There were major obstacles which only could have been surmounted by me. Pine Hollow Arboretum is not going to fail and if it does fail its back-up is going to recreate it.
What are your current dreams?
The Arboretum.
Also I am more and more interested in some of my writing, the small short essays. It is hard to do it all with writing poetry. The essays are all dated and progress as I continue with them.
I am interested in philosophy - reality - truth. We have a culture of not respecting the truth. My concept is God is truth and cannot be separated from it. Faith is an important thing but faith has got to be compatable with truth, When you reach the unknown that's when faith comes.

2009-05-13T12:10:00.001-04:00

Lots of blooms

2009-05-12T11:43:00.002-04:00

We have had a wonderful sequence of blooms this past week... some magnolias are finishing, the crab apples have and are spectacular, along with the lilacs, and the azalias around the house are coming in to full bloom. the azalias in the field are a bit behind. As you walk out the "nature" trail towards the Metasequia field you will see the Primroses on the edge of the stream... there are many !! Lots to see and enjoy!

Magnolia update

2009-04-28T14:04:00.002-04:00

This wonderful warm weather has hastened the blooms on the early magnolias and they are now mostly surrounding those trees on the ground! But the next batch are coming fast! these are the deep red/purple colors that we refer to as the middle magnolias... they are around the magnolia field and looking beautiful.. (John refers to them as the 4 sisters) If the weather cools a bit they may last better! the prim roses off the "Nature trail" are beginning and they too will be beautiful in several more days. Have a wonderful tour! Kay

2009-04-27T21:45:00.003-04:00

Click on image of map for larger image. Any photo or illustration in the left-hand collumn can be enlarged by clicking on it.

Azalias

2009-04-22T16:44:00.002-04:00

The walk is beautiful with much to see, especially magnolias, but not yet Azalias...they are in bud in the field so designated, but not ready to bloom for a week or so....they come as quickly as the magnolias go.... so keep tuned in! Kay

April Late Morning Walk

2009-04-22T12:51:00.006-04:00

Azaleas where are the azaleas? White magnolia are in bloom, trees in celebration. I remember azaleas from hiking in the Taconic range near Brace Mountain. Somehow they had gotten free and whole mountain sides were covered and in flower. So critical to arrive on the right day, so I told myself got to get over to Pine Hollow Arboretum. Hiking boots on, as it is still a little wet (have to ask John, might be drainage from last few days of rain). There are lots of dry trails like the ridge up Japanese Hill and along Fir Trail towards Pine Hollow Road side of Arboretum and the one right out and up close to flowering trees in Magnolia Field. So I do know what azaleas look like and I guess it is still early for them? John said these are the early magnolias, which implies "later" ones. Gold and yellow koa are out in Front Pond. The benches look so inviting. This is the fourth time I've visited the Arboretum and I'm beginning to see how trail system works. I am going to paint some simple signs. I like to take a map and find geographic features that I orient in the direction I'm facing. John is right when he said you have to actually walk the trails to make sense of where to put up signs for direction. Here are some photos from today.
--- Best, Alan Casline

Beautiful day here

2009-04-22T10:57:00.005-04:00

The grass is growing, the blooms are coming fast, birds are nesting, frogs are waking. Please come and enjoy! Kay

Welcome

2009-03-18T13:31:00.002-04:00

hi everyone.... thanks to the help of Paul and Alan , the Arboretum now has a "blog" The plan is to send this to interested people and let them know of events and "bloomings" at the arboretum...so that everyone in the community will know !!!
for now... it is clean up time, which has been substantial this year due to the ice storm earlier in the season...we still have a few snow piles and some ice on the ponds.... but the trails are all "walkable" even though they may be a bit muddy in spots..... come and see! Kay

Pine Hollow Arboretum

2009-03-13T14:19:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Pine Hollow Arboretum! We are located just outside Albany, New York and our twenty five acre collection of trees and shrubs is arranged aesthetically while maintaining a natural setting. The collection contains plants from the termperate climates of the world and represents the horticultural potential of our own climate. Access to Pine Hollow and educational tours are by appointment only - please call 518.439-6472.